The Salary of an Atmospheric Scientist

Average Salary

In May 2010 the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that that the average yearly wage across the profession for atmospheric scientists and space scientists was $88,010. Those in the top 10- percent bracket earned an average of over $132,130, while those in the bottom bracket received less than $45,050 on average. Indeed reported that as of June 2011, the average annual salary for an atmospheric scientist specifically was $83,000.

According to the BLS, the largest number of atmospheric scientists worked for the federal government. However, its average salary -- $95,760 -- was not the highest across the industry. Individuals working as consultants earned an average annual wage of $112,700, while those employed by architectural, engineering and related services received $99,850. Average salaries were fairly similar between scientific research and development services and academia -- $90,490 and $87,450, respectively -- while scientists who had moved into radio and television broadcasting earned an average of $82,790.

In June 2011, SalaryExpert.com reported that atmospheric scientists in Houston and Los Angeles had average salaries at $109,592 and $105,704, respectively. Salaries were comparable between Miami and Atlanta -- $92,903 and $91,244, respectively -- while Dallas was listed at just $53,381. BLS figures showed that wages were highest in Maryland, averaging $114,650. New Jersey and Colorado completed the top three states, with pay levels of $107,840 and $99,510, respectively, while, in contrast, Montana was reported at $64,880 and North Dakota at $60,340.

The employment market for atmospheric and space scientists is projected to grow by 15 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS predicts that demand for detailed weather predictions to increase from private businesses whose operations may be affected by climactic conditions such as construction and farming industries. Opportunities for scientists studying air pollutants and climate change are also likely to undergo significant growth.